I get your point, in general, and on some grounds I can agree that floating ASI can unlock new ways of roleplaying in the game. There are some things I disagree with, though. The one is centering the game around the lack of racial bonuses. This is just bad world design, especially if those are kept on the NPCs. Your orc-scholar example is understandable but it is not representative of the racial aspect, more of a background aspect. Let me explain. Imagine two characters, one human and one orc, who were malnourished prisoners for approximately the same time in a single cell. When they'd be brought to the strength test, both being at their weakest point, the orc will still score better. Well this is the representation of the racial difference. If it is not represented via abilities, I suggest we st least come up with a mechanic that underlines those differences.

The other one is about self-restrictions. Self-restricting implies that it is your idea of fun, right? It will only be a viable option if this idea is shared among the whole table. If at least one player is a munchkin, then he'll take the best abilities and will possibly get the most value and spotlight for his character. This is not a very good way to setup a system, if one needs to compromise to have fun and be at disadvantage after. When there is a universal restriction, the system becomes a bit more rigid, yes, but it also becomes more fair.